Searching...
Plant Search
Search for any plant to learn how to grow it.
Spinach Space
Spinacia oleracea 'Space'
vegetableSpinach Space is a modern spinach cultivar bred for compact growth and extended harvest potential. This variety produces dense, tender leaves ideal for fresh eating and cooking, with improved bolt resistance compared to traditional spinach varieties. It's a cool-season crop that thrives in spring and fall gardens.
Growing Conditions
Soil
Growing Zones
Find your zone βZones 3-9; best in cool seasons (spring and fall)
Sign up to see your zone highlighted.
Growth Stages
Germination
7-14 daysSeeds begin sprouting; first cotyledons (seed leaves) emerge from soil
Keep soil consistently moist. Maintain cool temperatures (50-70Β°F). Thin seedlings once first true leaves appear.
Seedling
2-3 weeksTrue leaves develop; plants form small rosettes with 2-4 leaves
Thin to proper spacing (4-6 inches). Provide adequate light to prevent leggy growth. Keep soil moist.
Vegetative Growth
2-3 weeksPlant develops dense basal rosette; leaves expand and become darker green
Water consistently. Begin light harvesting of outer leaves once plant has 4-6 true leaves. Monitor for pests. Spinach Space's compact habit becomes evident.
Mature Leaf Stage
1-4 weeks (depending on season and temperature)Plant reaches harvestable size with full, tender leaves ready for picking
Harvest outer leaves regularly to encourage continued production. Cool weather extends this stage. Watch for flowering signals (warmer temps, longer days).
Bolting/End of Season
Variable; accelerates in heatCentral flower stalk emerges; leaves become bitter and coarser in texture
Harvest immediately if not already done. Pull plants and compost. In fall crops, this occurs less rapidly than spring plantings.
Common Pests
-
Spray with strong water stream; use insecticidal soap or neem oil. Encourage beneficial insects like ladybugs.
-
Remove affected leaves. Use row covers for prevention. Spinosad-based insecticides effective.
-
Improve air circulation; water at soil level. Use resistant varieties when available. Remove infected leaves. Apply sulfur or copper fungicide if needed.
-
and
Hand-pick, especially at night. Use slug traps or barriers. Encourage ground beetles.
-
Plant resistant varieties. Control aphid vectors. Remove infected plants immediately.
Uses
Fresh and Cooked Greens
CulinarySpinach Space's tender leaves are excellent raw in salads, smoothies, and sandwiches, or cooked in soups, stir-fries, and side dishes. The compact growth habit makes this variety ideal for container gardening and fresh market sales. [source]
Nutritional Dense Superfood
MedicinalRich in iron, calcium, vitamins A, C, and K, plus lutein and zeaxanthin for eye health. Spinach contains oxalates which may affect mineral absorption in some individuals. [source]
Natural Food Dye
HouseholdFresh spinach juice can be used as a natural green food coloring agent for baking and cooking applications. The chlorophyll content provides vibrant color. [source]
Pollinator and Beneficial Insect Support
WildlifeWhen allowed to bolt, spinach flowers attract bees and other pollinators. Allows beneficial insects like parasitic wasps to complete their life cycles. [source]
This is not medical advice. LizPlants is not a medical resource. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional before using plants medicinally.
Harvest Tips
Begin harvesting outer leaves when plant has 4-6 true leaves (about 3-4 weeks after planting). Harvest in the morning for best quality. Cut leaves at soil level or pinch outer leaves, leaving the growing center intact for continued production. Whole plants can be harvested when reaching desired size. Regular harvesting extends productivity. Space variety typically reaches full harvestable size in 40-50 days. Harvest before temperatures exceed 75Β°F consistently, as heat accelerates bolting.
Fun Facts
- π± The name 'Space' references the cultivar's breeding and selection, often part of modern vegetable breeding programs that focus on efficiency and adaptability to contemporary gardening methods.
- π± Spinach is technically not a true leaf vegetable in the botanical senseβthe edible parts are actually the expanded petioles and laminae, making it botanically distinct from lettuce.
- π± Spinach is one of the few vegetables that actually becomes more nutrient-dense when cooked, as heat breaks down cell walls allowing better absorption of iron and calcium, though heat-sensitive vitamins like C decrease.
Want to save this plant and get personalized recommendations?
Sign up to add plants to your list, see your growing zone highlighted, and get planting timelines based on your frost dates.